Bromeliad plant named `GUZ 214`

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct bromeliad cultivar of the Guzmania family which produces bracts of a strong amaranth color which color commonly lasts three months, the leaves of the plant being variegated with strong white color throughout setting off the bract coloration not found in any known bromeliad.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to bromeliads in general and specifically to oneof the genus called Guzmania and a particular one which is designated byme as Bromeliad named `GUZ 214` which will identify it in commerce.

As is known to those skilled in the art, bromeliads generally are calledbromeliaceae and in particular it is noted that this is a large familyof tropical American plants which interestingly enough is of thepineapple family. Bromeliads generally are said to comprise about 40genera and over 900 species, which indicates that there is a widevariety of color, form, and name, for plants of this nature.

Particularly in this instance I have concentrated my efforts indeveloping bromeliads, of the Guzmania genus and as indicated have foundthat it has some interesting characteristics which make it a desirablecommercial plant.

The botanical class Bromeliaceae, which includes Guzmania, containsmember genera which are generally quite showy but which differ largelyin coloration, shape and size. Plants of the botanical and market classGuzmania have a number of characteristics in common which make themrecognizable as bromeliads by those skilled in the art. Notably, membersof Guzmania, are desirable for their pleasing ornamental appearancewhich is tropical and exotic; their durability as flowering indoorornamental specimen plants; and, the outstanding duration of theirhighly colored inflorescence, which may extend for periods of about 3months or more.

The particular Guzmania plant of this invention resulted from aspontaneous mutation of one plant within a large population of plants ofa monoculture of the parent variety `Amaranth` which was beingcommercially produced under my direction. This plant was conspicuouslydifferent due to the interesting variegation of its foliage whichdiffered from the generally solid green leaves of the remainder of theplants of the population. The plant of the invention otherwise remainssimilar to the normal plants in terms of shape, size and flowercharacteristics.

The particular plant herein disclosed and described as discovered by megrowing in a greenhouse under my control, is a perennial developing anoverall height of 20 to 22 inches which include the inflorescence.

The plant is of a substantial width, about 26 inches at full growth andhas interestingly long, relatively narrow leaves which may extend for 16to 18 inches and are generally of a width of 1 inch.

The leaves of this plant are variegated longitudinally and express acontrasting central variegation band which is predominantly white tolight green in color and contains plural dark green streaks of the sameshade as the dark green margins. The green stripes follow veins withinthe central white to light green variegation band. The basal portions ofthe newest leaves of specimens induced to flower are flushed withamaranth 40. This deep red shading may extend to about one-half, ormore, progressively, of the length of the newest true leaves which areformed directly below the floral bracts of this plant.

The floral bracts are of linear shape and have acuminate tips, and arenormally shorter than the true leaves; but have a more flaring ratherthan ascending orientation. The length of the bracts is variable, butmay range to about seven inches, for the oldest bracts, with newlyforming bracts being of progressively shorter length. The bract width isabout as wide as that of the true leaves, or about one inch. The bractsof this plant flare outwardly to a wider angle than do the newestleaves, and are attractively and solidly colored amaranth 40, matchingthe basal shading of the newest leaves. At optimum inflorescence, bractsat the apex of the spike of the inflorescence are typically about twoand three-quarters inches long by three-quarters of an inch width, withacuminate tips and entire margins. The unique and attractive combinationof leaf variegations, which are the attractively contrasting centralwhite and marginal deep green color banding, with the dense red bractcoloration results in a plant having exceptional attractiveness, andpotential market acceptance.

In order to disclose the plant in the form which it has developed and inwhich it has been reproduced by asexual propagation over severalgenerations, I have found that as the sport appeared it continues tomaintain the characteristics thereof over the time and over subsequentdivision of the plant.

Asexual reproduction is carried out by division and I have caused thatto take place under my direction near my greenhouses in the area ofVista, Calif. The parent plant `Amaranth` of this sport is acommercially available plant and the color and morphology of the flowerparts of this plant are identical to those of the parent plant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

In order to disclose the plant and its coloration, I show the same inthe drawing appended hereto which discloses the same in as near areplication of the plant as is possible by photographic processes andcharacteristic of the plant although obviously it is a photograph thatis the basis for the description.

Color values presented in this disclosure were taken from theHorticultural Color Guide as presented in Exotica. Such colordefinitions are based on the Dictionary of Color by Maerz & Paul. Colordefinitions of ordinary meaning are presented where appropriate andproperly descriptive.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

In order to specifically describe many of the different aspects of theplant, I append hereto additional specific description with commentscarried therethrough.

Plant classification:

Botanical.--Spontaneous Guzmania mutation.

Commercial.--Flowering tropical plant of the guzmania market class.

Parentage: Spontaneous mutation of the commercial variety `Amaranth`.Method of asexual reproduction: Division.

PLANT

General characteristics:

Type.--Monocot, perennial.

Habit.--Single stem, whorled and closely spaced ascending linear,strap-like leaves with acuminate terminals, typical of hybrids ofGuzmania and market class guzmania plants. Lower leaves may droop withage if plant is not timely induced to flower. Terminal portions of mostmature leaves may droop in a graceful arch. Internode length and spikelength may be more elongated with culture under low light levels or highlevels of nitrogen fertilization.

Hardiness.--Tender, tropical.

Size.--About 26 inches, or more, in width, with the ultimate heightdetermined by the timing of gas induction of flowering. Plant height foroptimum marketing is about 18 to 19 inches, or taller, including theinflorescence.

Shape.--Normally mounded, generally typical of plants of the genus. Leafplacement is whorled forming a rosette.

Density.--Leaf spacing is typically close, and typical of hybrids of themarket class. Leaf spacing and internode length may increase withculture under low light conditions or when too much nitrogen fertilizeris applied.

Vigor.--Considered vigorous, but has less vigor than the parent`Amaranth` due to the overall chlorophyll content of the variegatedleaves.

Leaves.--Linear, elongated, ranging to about 16 to 18 inches, or longer,as a function of cultural conditions. Leaves are ivy green 70 variegatedwith a central, predominately white to light green band. The white stripof variegation may contain a plurality of distinct green strips whichfollow veins. Marginal zones of leaves are solid, deep green bands whichcommonly comprise about one-fourth of the width of the leaf lamina.Leaves have acuminate tips. Thickness is about normal for that of plantsof this market class. Surfaces are smooth and semi-glossy. Margins arecomplete (smooth); leaves are straight when newly formed, but becomegently arched when elongated.

Flower buds: Tender, medium and long in size, pointed, and appressed,white, 3/16"×11/4".

Floral bracts:

Color.--Amaranth (40) on obverse and reverse, and lasts up to threemonths

Flowers: Cylindrical corolla, white at anthesis, flower petals barelyopen at anthesis, white, 3/16"×11/4".

Reproductive organs: Six stamens, two joined to each petal 1/4 of thedistance from the base, stigmata white, sterile F¹ hybrid.

SUMMARY

As a commercial bromeliad the instant variety after discovery hascontinued to be grown for the colors, shape and size of the floralbracts. The strong amaranth color of the bracts of this plant is wellset off by the striking white variegation of the leaves, the color ofthe bracts usually lasts up to three months, there being no knowncommercial bromeliad of these colors and leaf variegation.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct Bromelioad plant, substantially as hereinshown and described, characterised particularly as to novelty, by thestrong amaranth color of the bracts, the long lasting color of thebracts which characteristically lasts for periods up to three months andthe striking white variegation of the leaves.